Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Nad 'Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The leader planned and directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in central Helmand. Earlier this month, the leader was responsible for an attack on an Afghan army checkpoint that resulted in the deaths of several Afghan soldiers.

The security force also detained multiple additional insurgents as a result of this operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Khanabad district of Kunduz province. The leader plans and organizes roadside bombings, suicide attacks and other operations against Afghan and coalition troops. He also uses intimidation against civilians who support the government of Afghanistan and recently attempted to halt the construction of a bridge in the district by threatening Afghan workers.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader and two other suspected insurgents during an operation in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The leader directed roadside bombings, suicide attacks and other operations against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the district. He also coordinated for weapons, ammunition, explosives, and suicide bombers for those attacks, and was planning an upcoming attack against a Red Cross Center.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects during a search for a Taliban leader in the Aliabad district of Kunduz province. The leader plans and organizes roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Aliabad district. He also provides weapons and ammunition to insurgents in the area and attempts to recruit new fighters from throughout the province.

-- A combined force detained a Haqqani leader and two suspects in the Sarobi district of Paktika province. The leader conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Sarobi, Gomal, and Omnah districts. He also provided weapons, ammunition and equipment to the insurgents under his control.

-- In the Khugyani district of Nangarhar province, a combined force killed two insurgents, detained three suspects, and recovered an AK-47 rifle, an additional rifle, a pistol, ammunition and two hand grenades during a search for a Taliban leader. The leader conducts roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in the district. He also supplies the insurgents under his control with weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices to carry out those attacks.

-- A combined force detained one suspect during a search for a Haqqani facilitator and explosives expert in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Khost province. The facilitator acquires explosive materials for the production of roadside bombs and other types of explosive devices. He also provides technical advice to insurgents on the construction and employment of IEDs used in attacks against Afghan and coalition troops.

In May 14 Afghanistan operations:

-- In the Baghran district of Helmand province, a combined force killed several insurgents and seized improvised explosive device-making components, some weapons, more than 11,000 pounds of morphine waste, 880 pounds of ammonium chloride, 880 pounds of morphine base and 1,057 gallons of liquid morphine. All of the materials and weapons were destroyed.

In May 12 Afghanistan operations:

-- A coalition-supported Afghan provincial response company detained a Taliban leader, in the Shinkai district of Zabul province. During the operation the force identified a motorcycle being driven in a suspicious manner. As the force approached, the two individuals on the motorcycle attempted to flee and crashed. One insurgent was detained, the other died as a result of the crash. The force then searched the motorcycle, discovering four anti-personnel mines, two rifles, small-arms ammunition, one radio, one tactical vest and various IED-making components. The detained insurgent was identified as a leader that attempted to enforce Taliban law on civilians in the area. The person that died in the crash was identified as an insurgent leader who was responsible for attacks in against Afghan and coalition forces in the district.

Return to headlines